Earlier this week Itineris, Inc. publicly announced a new capital campaign to raise $4.2 million. The funds will help the organization complete the purchase and renovation of the Rockrose building on Television Hill in Baltimore’s Woodberry neighborhood.

According to Ami Taubenfeld, Itineris co-founder and executive director, “We are excited about supporting the growing population of adults on the spectrum in the greater Baltimore region, who are counting on our much-needed services.” In her remarks Taubenfeld referred humorously to Itineris’steady growth since its founding in 2007. Starting in space rented from Trinity Church in Towson, the organization quickly outgrew its location; moved into the historic Rockland Gristmill and then expanded there.

In 2014 Itineris moved to its current Rockrose Avenue location in 2014, occupying half of the former Monotype Corporation’s space. When the entire building became available Itineris immediately purchased it from its landlord, Glenn Evans of Typo Building, LLC.

Real estate brokers Art Putzel and Stacey Berman of Trout Daniel & Associates represented Itineris in the sale transaction. Jon Manekin of Greenspring Realty Partners represented the seller.Itineris financed the 24,000 sq. ft. industrial building through New York based Disability Opportunity Fund and the Columbia Bank.

According to Taubenfeld, “We have a short history of growing so fast that we purchased our building first before raising the funds to do so. We couldn’t afford to wait, the need is so great.”

Carol A. Beatty, Maryland’s Secretary of Disabilities, spoke at the event, lauding the Baltimore nonprofit’s successful work in helping put adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to work in productive jobs throughout the region. Jason Perkins-Cohen, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development echoed her praise and presented an official Proclamation Mayor Pugh issued to commemorate the nonprofit’s successes over its first decade.

Taubenfeld announced to donors, families of adults Itineris serves, and staff and local elected officials that close to $3 million has already been committed to the campaign. “We thank our local foundations, the families we support and other incredibly supportive friends and donors who have already invested in helping us grow.”

The Baltimore based nonprofit provides the only Work First program in the greater Baltimore region exclusively supporting adults with ASD. The purchase and renovation will enable the organization to expand its programming by 50% to meet the needs of the growing adult autism population in Baltimore. The building will also be used as a community hub, bringing together the Itineris adults and members of the Woodberry Community.

The capital campaign Co-Chair Michael Myers and Susan Watkins also spoke at the event. Susan spoke on behalf of her spouse Tim, the other Co-Chair, who was traveling on business for his company Renegade Communications. Both are donors and parents of adult children with ASD supported by Itineris.

Watkins thanked Itineris and its staff for supporting their son when there were no other adequate services or programs available to do what the organization now does. Myers shared how Itineris staff helped his family find their son Sam’s passion; leading Myers to become the primary investor in Sam’s Canterbury Café in Tuscany Canterbury, the restaurant that catered the morning event.

“The majority of Sam’s Café workers who prepared and catered today’s kick-off are adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), living proof to our friends that they can and should be full participating and productive members of Baltimore’s workforce,” Myers said.

In addition to Sam’s, Itineris workplace partners include WR Grace, Whole Foods, The Baltimore County Police Department, and Intero Advisory among its fifty plus employers. Itineris talent receive support with workplace training, social skills and on site job coaching. Itineris also provides employer and company training.